14th August 2024

Pulsiv Limited, the Cambridge (UK) innovator of power electronics technology, announce the release of the world’s most efficient* 65W USB-C GaN optimised reference design developed to address the complex challenges associated with thermal performance in power supplies. This ground-breaking and highly anticipated development is set to revolutionize the USB-C fast charging space by offering a unique combination of features & benefits not seen in other designs.

The PSV-RDAD-65USB reference design combines Pulsiv OSMIUM technology with an industry standard QR Flyback and highly optimized, ultra-compact magnetics. It represents the first in a series of designs aimed at pushing the boundaries of power conversion by drastically lowering operating temperatures, minimizing losses, and reducing size to create a sustainable platform for the USB-C standard.

Pulsiv’s Chief Product Officer, Dr Tim Moore has been managing the development of this design and comments:

“Our mantra has always been focused on developing solutions that “do more while using less” and this design demonstrates how Pulsiv OSMIUM technology can deliver fast charging without the associated complexity of managing high temperatures. The demand for more power and faster charging of cordless products is rapidly increasing which impacts everything from mobile phones to power tools. This means more power is needed in a small form factor which is even more critical when developing in-wall/desk solutions which are sensitive to heat. With 30% lower component temperatures, no inrush current, and high efficiency, we enable designs to become safer, smaller, and be more reliable.”

Specification Overview

Input Voltage Range: 90 - 265VAC (No input voltage derating)
Output Voltage: 5 - 20VDC supporting PD3.0, QC4.0, BC1.2, & PPS (Fast Charging)
Output Power: 65W max
Transformer Temperature: 30.3°C above ambient
Operating Frequency: 125kHz
Peak Efficiency: 96%
Average Efficiency: 95%
Half-Active Bridge: Included
Line Currents: 0.5A max
Inrush Current: Eliminated
GaN Optimised: Yes
DC-DC Converter: Quasi-resonant (QR) Flyback

Taking ultra-cool operation & fast charging to a whole new level

The Pulsiv OSMIUM reference design demonstrates a significant improvement in thermal performance and reduces critical component temperatures by more than 30% compared to other designs. At full load, the Flyback transformer reaches an impressive 33.9°C at 230VAC and 30.3°C at 265V above an ambient temperature of 26.1°C. This incredible achievement is likely to set a new benchmark and enables 65W fast charging in space constrained environments and/or heat sensitive applications such as in-wall plug sockets that incorporate USB-C connectivity.

Pulsiv PSV-EBAD-65USB Evaluation board:
Vin = 230VAC, Vout = 20V, Iout = 3.25A, 26.1°C ambient

Optimize efficiency and space with a half-active bridge

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology senses AC line voltage and frequency to adjust capacitor charging time, therefore the circuit draws no line current at the AC zero voltage crossing. This enables a simple half-active bridge implementation to increase efficiency, especially at low line conditions. MOSFETs in the lower half of the AC to DC bridge are carefully controlled, in combination with high-side diodes. The half-active bridge in this design strikes the delicate balance between efficiency, cost, and complexity and supports universal input with efficiency gains of 0.7% at full load from a 115V AC supply.

Pulsiv unique Half-Active Bridge Control

Innovative magnetics reduce transformer size by 20%

Pulsiv OSMIUM technology generates a HVDC output that varies between the peak AC input and 150V to drive the QR Flyback at maximum efficiency. The wider voltage range significantly reduces primary side inductance to enable the use of an EQ20 transformer which was developed in partnership with magnetics experts Frenetic.

Their CEO Chema Molina comments:

“Our team of magnetics experts have demonstrated that Pulsiv OSMIUM technology maximises efficiency and reduces the size of the Flyback Transformer to a level we’ve not seen before. This significant development will enable customers to improve performance, reduce size, and lower the cost of their design and we’re excited to be part of such an innovative solution”.

This results in a 20% size reduction & 50% efficiency improvement compared to an RM8 core typically used in other designs.

Minimize losses with GaN optimization

GaN Transistors from Innoscience have lowered the RDSon and parasitic capacitance to reduce losses and optimize cost in both the flyback and synchronous rectifier sub-systems. General Manager for Innoscience EMEA Denis Marcon adds:

“We’ve demonstrated that GaN technology is perfectly suited to increasing efficiency, reducing losses, and optimising cost but Pulsiv OSMIUM technology adds further benefits by significantly improving the overall performance and reducing energy waste. Their technology is truly game-changing, and I’m delighted that Pulsiv has chosen to incorporate Innoscience GaN devices in this reference design.”

Design package & evaluation boards

The PSV-RDAD-65USB document package is available to download free and includes a Datasheet, Schematics, Bill of Materials, & Altium files.

The PSV-EBAD-65USB evaluation board enables rapid lab testing and can be pre-ordered now for delivery in the 2nd half of August through a network of franchised distribution partners including global stockist Digikey.